Efficient nail tool

ABSTRACT

Cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatuses are presented. A cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus includes a handle portion, at least one cuticle maintaining device coupled to the handle portion, and a nail/cuticle file coupled to at least one side of the at least one cuticle maintaining device. Another cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus includes a handle portion, a cuticle pusher-file coupled to the handle portion, a cuticle cleaner-file coupled to the handle portion, a nail/cuticle file coupled to one side of the cuticle pusher-file, and a nail/cuticle file coupled to one side of the cuticle cleaner-file.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/492,676, filed May 1, 2017, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

This invention relates cosmetic equipment and, in particular, to an efficient nail grooming apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Maintaining the health and look of one's fingernails and toenails is a common cosmetic and health-related maintenance. As a result, there are a plethora of nail-maintaining devices, each device performing an individual task. This results in bulky cosmetic device containers and/or drawers and increases the difficulty of finding the right device for a task. To ease the hassles created from having individual tools for individual functions, an efficient nail and cuticle maintenance tool that performs multiple functions with ease is thus needed. In particular, a singular device that performs multiple functions in the maintenance of nails and cuticles is needed.

Examples of related art are described below:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,427 generally describes a finger groomer attachment for a writing instrument. The device performs a variety of manicure operations, and can be used to secure a writing instrument to an item, such as a shirt pocket to protect the writing part of a writing instrument from damage and to protect against unwanted marks made by an unprotected writing point while at the same time guarding against fouling of the instrument. The inventive device incorporates a fingernail cleaner for cleaning under fingernails, a pocket-clip for attaching a writing instrument to an item such as a shirt pocket, a cuticle pusher for pushing back the cuticle of a finger, and an abrasive strip for shaping of the fingernails. These are conveniently incorporated into a durable and easy to manufacture attachment which fits on a variety of writing instruments.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,640,715 generally describes a nail care apparatus. In one embodiment, a nail care apparatus comprises a housing, a blade extending from the housing to a distal end, a motor disposed in the housing and operatively driving the blade to reciprocate in two parallel planes, and a power source providing power to the motor. The distal end of the blade may narrow to a peaked distal edge.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2013/0125909 generally describes a manicurist tool comprising a body, a first end, and a second end, the body comprising one or more gel pads integral with the body, the gel pads having a shape adapted to promote an optimal ergonomic position for fingers of a user of the manicurist tool, the first end comprising an attached cuticle pushing tip comprising flexible sides, the cuticle pushing tip attached to a spring assembly removably attached to the body, the cuticle pushing tip constructed of a polymeric material.

British Patent No. GB695060A generally describes improvements for scissor guards, the scissor guards being applicable for use with scissors generally for protecting the points when not in use and protecting the pocket, handbag or other container against damage by the points when the scissors are carried therein.

British Patent No. GB2527808B generally describes a manicure or pedicure device that includes an elongate body having at least one longitudinally curved surface on which a curved nail treatment surface is provided, wherein the body comprises first and second parts, the first part providing a cavity and the second part being attachable to the first part to close said cavity and being separable from the first part, wherein a personal care tool is at least partially located in the cavity when the first and second parts are attached together, wherein the curved nail treatment surface is provided at least on the second part.

Canadian patent No. 2,949,068 generally describes a nail file case of the kind having a generally clam shell type configuration is described, with an upper lid and a lower base, the lid being connected to the base by a flexible hinge. The case further includes a slot extending along an upper surface of the lid, the slot being sized to receive a finger nail tip therethrough. A cuticle pusher also is formed on the case, the cuticle pusher including a blade being configured for pushing a cuticle of a finger nail. In addition, a nail cleaner is formed on the case, the nail cleaner including a projection extending from the case being configured for insertion beneath a finger nail for scraping out dirt lodged thereunder.

Chinese Patent Publication No. CN105639988A generally describes a disposable manicure tool. The disposable manicure tool comprises an elongate carrier element having abrasive inserts and at least one stop for the user's hand. One end of the carrier element is a scraper in the form of a knife blade with a sharpened cutting edge, and the other is a pusher in the form of a blade with an end working edge for moving away the cuticle. The scraper and the pusher, together with the carrier element are one-piece plastic product. The cross section of the carrier element has a rectangular shape which width is at least 0.5 of its height. The abrasive inserts are arranged on the carrier element in an arbitrary combination with the said stops for the thumb of the user. The stop on the pusher is placed on one its side or on both its sides. The abrasive insert is a strip of abrasive material deposited on the carrier element. Covering strips of the scarper and the pusher can be provided with flat surfaces which are firmly fixed to the covering strips by a bonding material, and the covering strips can be manufactured into projections, embedded into the body of the carrier element, of various shapes. The tail end of the covering strip of the scraper can turn upwards to a cutting edge when an acute angle is formed between the tail end and a tool longitudinal axis.

German Patent No. DE3321352C2 generally describes a device for manicure, composed of a one-piece, elongated holder with an up to the ends conducted longitudinal groove into which a file usable on both sides can be inserted.

German Patent No. DE60118253T2 generally describes a tool with multiple functions, particularly with cutting and cleaning capabilities for cuticles and nails, which allow users to have a series of functions in a single, small-sized device.

None of the art described above addresses all of the issues that the present invention does.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

According to an aspect of the present invention, a cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus is presented. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus includes a handle portion, at least one cuticle maintaining device coupled to the handle portion, and a nail/cuticle file coupled to at least one side of the at least one cuticle maintaining device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus is presented. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus includes a handle portion, a cuticle pusher-file coupled to the handle portion, a cuticle cleaner-file coupled to the handle portion, a nail/cuticle file coupled to one side of the cuticle pusher-file, and a nail/cuticle file coupled to one side of the cuticle cleaner-file.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the at least one cuticle maintaining device is selected from the group consisting of a cuticle pusher-file, a nail/cuticle file, and a cuticle cleaner-file.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the nail/cuticle file is removably coupled to the at least one cuticle maintaining device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the nail/cuticle file is etched into the at least one cuticle maintaining device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, further comprising a nail/cuticle file coupled to the handle portion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the nail/cuticle file is removably coupled to the handle portion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the nail/cuticle file is etched into the handle portion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the at least one cuticle maintaining device and the handle portion are a singular structure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the nail/cuticle file is removably coupled to the cuticle pusher-file.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the nail/cuticle file is removably coupled to the cuticle cleaner-file.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the nail/cuticle file is etched into the cuticle pusher-file.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the nail/cuticle file is etched into the cuticle cleaner-file.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, wherein the cuticle pusher-file, the cuticle cleaner-file, and the handle portion are a singular structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having a cuticle file and a cuticle cleaner-file, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having a cuticle file and a cuticle cleaner-file, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having a cuticle file and a cuticle cleaner-file, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having a cuticle file and a cuticle cleaner-file, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a rear view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having a cuticle file and a cuticle cleaner-file, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having a cuticle file, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having a cuticle cleaner-file, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having two cuticle files or cleaner-files, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having two cuticle files or cleaner-files, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having two cuticle files or cleaner-files, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a front view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having two cuticle files or cleaner-files, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of an efficient nail and cuticle tool having two cuticle files or pusher-files, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a side view of a portion of an efficient nail tool having a removable cuticle-pusher, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of a portion of an efficient nail tool having a removable cuticle-pusher, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a side view of a portion of an efficient nail tool having a removable file, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an efficient nail tool 100 having a cuticle pusher-file 110 and a cuticle cleaner-file 120 is illustratively depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is noted that a cuticle pusher-file 110 may include a cuticle pusher and/or a combination of a cuticle pusher and a nail/cuticle file 130. It is further noted that a cuticle cleaner-file 110 may include a cuticle cleaner and/or a combination of a cuticle cleaner and a nail/cuticle file 130.

According to an embodiment, the efficient nail tool 100 includes a cuticle pusher-file 110 and a cuticle cleaner-file 120. According to another embodiment, the efficient nail tool 100 includes either one or more cuticle pusher-files 110 and/or one or more cuticle cleaner-files 120. The one or more cuticle pusher-files 110 and/or one or more cuticle cleaner-files 120 are secured to an end of the handle portion 140. According to an embodiment, the cuticle pusher-file 110 and/or the cuticle cleaner-file includes a nail/cuticle file 130.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, a side view (FIG. 2) and a top view (FIG. 3) of an efficient nail tool 100 having a cuticle pusher-file 110 and a cuticle cleaner-file 120 are illustratively depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the efficient nail tool 100 includes a nail/cuticle file 130. According to an embodiment, the nail/cuticle file 130 is coupled to the cuticle pusher-file 110. The nail/cuticle file 130 may be coupled to the cuticle pusher-file 110 by way of an adhesive, a clip, a hook and loop fastener, and/or any other suitable fastening mechanism while maintaining the spirit of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the nail/cuticle file 130 is removably coupled to the cuticle pusher-file 110. According to an embodiment, the nail/cuticle file 130 is etched into the cuticle pusher-file 110. The nail/cuticle file 130 may encompass a part or an entire surface of a side of the cuticle pusher-file 110. The nail/cuticle file 130 may encompass one or multiple sides of the cuticle pusher-file 110. According to an embodiment, one side of the cuticle pusher-file 110 contains no nail/cuticle file 130. According to an embodiment, the cuticle pusher-file 110 is spade-shaped. It is noted, however, that the cuticle pusher-file 110 may include other suitable shapes while maintaining the spirit of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, the nail/cuticle file 130 is coupled to the cuticle cleaner-file 120. The nail/cuticle file 130 may be coupled to the cuticle cleaner-file 120 by way of an adhesive, a clip, a hook and loop fastener, and/or any other suitable fastening mechanism while maintaining the spirit of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the nail/cuticle file 130 is removably coupled to the cuticle cleaner-file 120. According to an embodiment, the nail/cuticle file 130 is etched into the cuticle cleaner-file 120. The nail/cuticle file 130 may encompass a part or an entire surface of a side of the cuticle cleaner-file 120. The nail/cuticle file 130 may encompass one or multiple sides of the cuticle cleaner-file 120. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, one side of the cuticle cleaner-file 120 contains no nail/cuticle file 130. According to an embodiment, the cuticle cleaner-file 120 is spear-shaped. It is noted, however, that the cuticle cleaner-file 120 may include other suitable shapes while maintaining the spirit of the present invention. For example, according to FIGS. 8-11, the cuticle cleaner-file 120 is V-shaped. Further, each of the cuticle pusher-file 110 or the cuticle cleaner-file 120 may have varying shapes and possess varying degrees of bluntness or sharpness depending on the desired characteristics.

According to an embodiment, a nail/cuticle file 130 is coupled to the handle portion 140. The nail/cuticle file 130 may be coupled to a part or an entire surface of the handle portion 140. According to an embodiment, the nail/cuticle file 130 is etched into the handle portion 140. The nail/cuticle file 130 may cover all or part of the surface area of the handle portion 140. According to an embodiment, the at least one cuticle pusher-file 110 and/or at least one cuticle cleaner-file 120 and the handle portion 140 are a singular device.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, perspective views of an efficient nail tool 400 having only a cuticle pusher-file 110 (FIG. 6) and an efficient nail tool 500 having only a cuticle cleaner-file 120 (FIG. 7) are illustratively depicted, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

According to various embodiments, the cuticle pusher-file 110 of efficient nail tool 400 and the cuticle cleaner-file 120 of efficient nail tool 500 are configured similarly to the cuticle pusher-file 110 and cuticle cleaner-file 120 of efficient nail tool 100. As such, the cuticle pusher-file 110 and cuticle cleaner-file 120 may come in any suitable shape.

According to an embodiment, the cuticle pusher-file 110 has a curved surface. According to an embodiment, the cuticle pusher-file has a flat surface. It is noted, however, that the cuticle pusher-file 110 and/or the cuticle cleaner-file 120 may be any suitable shape while maintaining the spirit of the present invention. According to an embodiment, the nail/cuticle file 130 may be coupled to the cuticle pusher-file 110 on one the surfaces, both of the surfaces, and/or on the edge between the two surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 3-4 and 7-11, the cuticle cleaner-file 120 may have a pointed top for aiding in cleaning cuticles.

As shown in FIGS. 8-11, an efficient nail tool 800 having a cuticle cleaner-file 120 on both ends of a handle portion 140 is illustratively depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment, there is a nail/cuticle file 130 coupled to one of the two cuticle cleaner-files 120. According to another embodiment, the nail/cuticle file 130 is coupled to both of the cuticle cleaner-files 120.

As shown in FIG. 12, an efficient nail tool 900 is shown having a cuticle pusher-file 110 on both ends of a handle portion 140. According to an embodiment, there is a nail/cuticle file 130 coupled to one of the two cuticle pusher-files 110. According to another embodiment, the nail/cuticle file 130 is coupled to both of the cuticle pusher-files 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-14, side views of a portion of an efficient nail tool having a removable wide cuticle-pusher 112 (FIG. 13) and a narrow cuticle pusher (FIG. 14) are illustratively depicted, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13-14, the cuticle pushers 110, 112 include a protrusion 145 configured to be inserted into a receiving portion 150 of the handle 140. According to an embodiment, the protrusion 145 is removable from the receiving portion 150, thus enabling the cuticle pusher 110, 112 to be removed from the handle 140. It is noted, however, that other cosmetic devices, such as, e.g., a cuticle cleaner 120 may alternatively be coupled to the protrusion 145, enabling it to be removed from the handle 140.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a side view of a portion of an efficient nail tool having a removable file 155 is illustratively depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, one or more portions of the efficient nail tool may include a removable file 155, which may be placed and/or removed from one or more locations on the efficient nail tool.

According to any of the embodiments, the cuticle pusher-file 110, 112 and/or the cuticle cleaner-file 120 may include a nail/cuticle file 130 incorporated and/or etched therein.

According to any of the embodiments, the efficient nail tool may include metal and/or plastic and may be disposable or reusable. According to an embodiment, the cuticle pusher-file 110, 112 and/or the cuticle cleaner-file 120 include a material different from the handle 140 portion. According to an embodiment, the cuticle pusher-file 110, 112 and/or the cuticle cleaner-file 120 include a material included in the handle portion 140.

The efficient nail tools described herein provide a cosmetic nail apparatus that removes and/or cleans a cuticle without the use of scissors or cuticle clippers, thereby making the removal of cuticles easier.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, comprising: a handle portion; at least one cuticle maintaining device coupled to the handle portion; and a nail/cuticle file coupled to at least one side of the at least one cuticle maintaining device.
 2. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one cuticle maintaining device is selected from the group consisting of: a cuticle pusher-file; and a cuticle cleaner-file.
 3. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the nail/cuticle file is removably coupled to the at least one cuticle maintaining device.
 4. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the nail/cuticle file is etched into the at least one cuticle maintaining device.
 5. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a nail/cuticle file coupled to the handle portion.
 6. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein the nail/cuticle file is removably coupled to the handle portion.
 7. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein the nail/cuticle file is etched into the handle portion.
 8. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one cuticle maintaining device and the handle portion are a singular structure.
 9. A cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus, comprising: a handle portion; a cuticle pusher-file coupled to the handle portion; a cuticle cleaner-file coupled to the handle portion; a nail/cuticle file coupled to one side of the cuticle pusher-file; and a nail/cuticle file coupled to one side of the cuticle cleaner-file.
 10. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the nail/cuticle file is removably coupled to the cuticle pusher-file.
 11. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the nail/cuticle file is removably coupled to the cuticle cleaner-file.
 12. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the nail/cuticle file is etched into the cuticle pusher-file.
 13. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the nail/cuticle file is etched into the cuticle cleaner-file.
 14. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 9, further comprising a nail/cuticle file coupled to the handle portion.
 15. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the nail/cuticle file is removably coupled to the handle portion.
 16. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein the nail/cuticle file is etched into the handle portion.
 17. The cosmetic nail and cuticle apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the cuticle pusher-file, the cuticle cleaner-file, and the handle portion are a singular structure. 